Knowledge, preparedness, and compassion fatigue among LEOs who respond to opioid overdose

Study Author(s):

Jennifer J Carroll, Sasha Mital, Jessica Wolff, Rita K Noonan, Pedro Martinez, Melissa C Podolsky, John C Killorin, Traci C Green

Journal Name:

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Publication Date:

September 2020

PMID:

32947173

The study titled "Knowledge, preparedness, and compassion fatigue among law enforcement officers who respond to opioid overdose" examines patrol officers' understanding of their state's Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs), their experiences in responding to opioid overdoses (ODs), and their perspectives on strategies to prevent and respond to such incidents.

Background:
Between 2016 and 2018, fatal overdoses from synthetic opioids increased by nearly 60%. 911 Good Samaritan Laws are evidence-based strategies designed to prevent OD fatalities.

Methods:
An electronic survey was conducted among 2,829 patrol officers to assess their knowledge of state GSLs and their experiences responding to ODs. The survey utilized descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear modeling to explore differences in knowledge, preparedness, and endorsement of OD response efforts based on officers' OD response experience.

Key Findings:

• Experience with OD Response: Among the 1,946 officers who had responded to an OD call in the past six months, 37% reported administering naloxone on the scene, and 36% reported making an arrest during the incident.
  
  
• Knowledge of GSLs: A majority (91%) correctly identified whether their state had a GSL in effect. However, only 26% accurately reported whether the law provided limited immunity from arrest.
  
  
• Access to Naloxone: Fifteen percent of officers who had responded to an OD worked in departments that did not carry naloxone, indicating gaps in preparedness.
  
  
• Compassion Fatigue: Officers with more frequent OD response experience exhibited higher levels of compassion fatigue, suggesting the emotional toll of repeated exposure to overdose incidents.
  

Conclusions:
While many officers are receiving training and naloxone supplies to respond to ODs, significant knowledge gaps and training needs persist. The study recommends additional training to address these gaps and strategies to alleviate compassion fatigue among officers frequently responding to ODs.

This research underscores the importance of comprehensive training and support systems for law enforcement officers to enhance their effectiveness and well-being in responding to the opioid crisis.